Kri Kri ibex hunting in Greece
Big game hunting in Greece for Kri Kri ibex, which migrated to the westernmost boundary of this species’ range. Only in Greece you can find and hunt this ibex, which lives on the islands of Sapienza and Atalanty. Only in November are hunting permits issued for this ibex (these permits are very limited). This ibex is a feral goat species inhabiting the Middle East, the kri-kri (Capra aegagrus cretica) is frequently known as the Cretan Ibex, Agrimi, or Cretan Goat. The kri-kri is a goat species accidentally discovered in 1985 by members of the Cretan Society of the Natural History. The kri-kri has a brownish coat with a black mane. They have a light brown coat with a darker collar, two sweeping horns, and are found only on Crete, Greece, as well as three small islands nearby (Dia, Thodorou, and Agii Pantes). The animal is shy and avoids people in the wild, resting during the day. In the wild, they can leap or climb seemingly impassable rocks.
Hunting in Greece - History of the Kri Kri ibex
The kri-kri is not thought to have been native to Crete, most likely having been imported to the island as part of the Minoan civilization. It is the only one of its kind and therefore endemic to the island. Its numbers were once highest in the Aegean, but its last remaining populations are found in Western Crete’s 8,000-foot (2,400-metre) White Mountains—especially in a series of near-vertical 900-foot (270-metre) cliffs known as ‘the Untrodden’ at the head of the Samaria Gorge. This mountain range, which houses another 14 endemic animal species, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and protected as such. In total, their range extends to the White Mountains, the Samaria National Forest and the islets of Dia, Thodorou, and Agii Pandes. Recently some were introduced onto two more islands. The kri-kri was nearly extinct by 1960, with fewer than 200 left. Mountain guerillas relied on it for meat during the German occupation of Samaria Gorge during World War II. One of the reasons why Samaria Gorge became a national park in 1962 was because its status as a symbol of national liberation. The population has declined, with only 2,000 remaining on the island, which is considered endangered due to hunting, diminished grazing areas, and disease. Hybridization is also a problem, as the population has crossbred with domestic goats.
HUNTING IN GREECE
On two separate islands approximately 150 kilometers and 300 kilometers from Athens, we provide the chance to hunt this magnificent creature.
Sapientza island
In these emblematic natural landscapes, with crystal clear waters and infinite blue, the hunting of the Kri Kri Ibex takes place, an exclusive trophy that our clients can hunt on the island of Sapienza, located on the Greek coast south of the Peloponnese. Sapientza is about tree and a half or four hours south of Athens, so we recommend flying into Athens International Airport. As close as possible to the island, you can stay at a 4 star hotel. Because the boats to and from the islands depart at sunrise and return at 3 pm, the hunt lasts from dawn to dusk. The boat trip from Sapientza to and from the islands is 15 to 50 minutes, depending on where it is hunted. On Sapientza, the hunting is divided into three zones, which are allocated randomly to three hunting groups. If the weather is bad, the hunting is cancelled and rescheduled for the next day. Sapienca is accessible for hunting on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. We provide all-inclusive hunting packages that include lodging and meals at a leading 4-star hotel near the site, an experienced local game scout to assist you, a boat ride to and from the island, initial trophy preparation, insurance, a Greek hunting license, island entry permits, a Kri Kri Ibex hunting license, weapon and ammo rental, and administrative fees. It is not included the trophy fee that should be paid after the animal is shot directly to the game officer on duty.
